Monthly Archives: September 2016

I’m focusing more and more lately on simplicity – and this relates to my scrapbooking as well. One strategy I’m using is to focus on Project Life cards and scrapbook papers that are neutral colors – so, a lot of black and white cards like in the Moments Like These collection.

I’m glad I documented the backyard a bit last year when it was full of grass, before I turned it into concrete!

Some old photos from when Sofia was just barely a toddler.

And these black and white cards go perfectly with a bit of color for some photos from last year’s Halloween! This is the fabulous thing about black and white cards- you can add a pop of color to tailor it to any color scheme.

Our team has some great pages that you’ll be inspired by – make sure to check them out!

I have shared many photos on Instagram of my backyard and the work that’s been going on, but not a lot on this blog yet. But I am so excited as to how things are progressing, that I can’t help but share some photos even though we aren’t done yet!

Before and after:

This home’s grass never was in great condition, but when the California water restrictions popped up a year or so ago, we struggled with what to do with the grass. Eventually the decision was made – get rid of the grass, and move on. This is what a yard of dead grass looks like!

Finally, the work starts. I don’t think I could have pulled all this up myself.

And the concrete work begins…

And for the finished product….concrete and decomposed granite. I really didn’t do anything fancy. Just basic broom finished concrete and gray decomposed granite. But then I had lots of fun with decorating and choosing pieces of furniture and plant pots.

The dining table set is from West Elm. The little plant pots are from CB2.

I am so glad I chose these Acapulco chairs from CB2! They are so fun and actually very comfortable for lounging in. I can’t wait to use the firepit from Crate & Barrel to make s’mores. I’m still working on getting plants in the ground, but until then I’m enjoying the plants in the plant pots which are from CB2.

If you like the look of the Acapulco chairs, here is another fabulous example of how this can be pulled together, from one of my favorite bloggers – Almost Makes Perfect.